Vehicle operation Nissan Almera generation G15 in our climatic conditions often leads to premature wear of suspension elements. One of the most vulnerable points is the rear hub assembly, which bears a colossal load when driving on rough roads. When a characteristic hum or play appears, owners are faced with the need for urgent diagnostics and searching for a specific spare part.
The main difficulty when purchasing is the huge number of analogues and confusion in serial numbers. Incorrectly selected rear wheel bearing may not fit in size, have a reduced service life, or may not be installed at all without altering the brake caliper. In this article, we will analyze in detail exactly which part numbers correspond to your car and how to avoid mistakes when choosing.
Design features of the rear assembly of Almera G15
On the B0 platform on which it is based Nissan Almera G15, an independent rear suspension of the “semi-independent beam” type is used. This solution, although simple in design, requires quality components in the hub assembly. The bearing here is pressed into the wheel hub and at the same time is part of the brake drum (or disc, depending on the configuration and year of manufacture, but more often the drum).
It is important to understand that on the G15 the rear bearing is not a removable unit. If it fails, the entire block assembly is replaced - the hub with already pressed bearing and an ABS sensor. This significantly simplifies repairs, since there is no need to use a powerful press and special tools for pressing, but it increases the cost of the spare part itself.
The assembly design also includes a magnetic ring sensor that interacts with the ABS. If you are planning a replacement, make sure the new part number includes this item, otherwise the anti-lock system will generate an error. The quality of the metal and the sealing of the separator directly affect the service life of the unit.
Original catalog numbers and their decoding
The search for a spare part begins with determining the serial number. For Nissan Almera G15 (manufactured since 2012) there are several original part numbers, which may vary depending on the manufacturer and year of manufacture of the car. The main number most often found in catalogs is 40202-1HF0A.
However, there are other variations such as 40202-1HF0B or 40202-3VA0A. Differences may concern not only the manufacturer of the bearing inside the assembly (Koyo, NTN, NSK), but also slight changes in the geometry or type of seal. Always check the number on the old part with the one in the catalog before making a purchase.
When ordering through official dealers, they often offer replacement of the entire assembly, which guarantees compatibility, but costs significantly more. If you are looking only for yourself bearing without a hub, make sure that this is a separate part, since on the G15 they are often sold only as a set.
Top best analogue manufacturers
If you don't want to overpay for a brand Nissan, the market offers many high-quality analogues from specialized bearing manufacturers. The leaders in this segment are Japanese companies, which are often direct suppliers to the assembly line. Choosing the right brand is a guarantee that the unit will serve its intended 100-150 thousand kilometers.
Among the most reliable options are:
- 🇯🇵 Koyo - Japanese brand, often installed at the factory, characterized by high precision and wear resistance.
- 🇯🇵 NTN is another giant known for its ability to withstand high loads and vibrations.
- 🇩🇪 FAG - German quality, often superior to the original in terms of service life, but requires caution when purchasing due to counterfeits.
- 🇸🇪 SKF is a Swedish manufacturer offering excellent kits with oil seals and retaining rings.
Of the less expensive but worthy options, you should pay attention to brands SNR (France) and GMB. They perform consistently well, although they may have a slightly shorter lifespan under extreme loads. Avoid buying “no-name” Chinese bearings, as they often fall apart within the first thousand kilometers.
- Once every 5 years
- Once every 3 years
- Once a year
- As it wears out
Comparison table of articles
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of catalog numbers, we have prepared a summary table. It will help you compare the original number with popular analogues from different manufacturers. Please note that items may vary slightly depending on the region of delivery.
| Manufacturer | Article | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (OEM) | 40202-1HF0A | Original | Base number for most G15 |
| Koyo | 40202-1HF0A | Analogue | Direct supplier to the conveyor |
| SNR | G16535 | Analogue | Kit with ABS sensor |
| FAG | 713 620 480 | Analogue | High resource, Germany |
| Asva | SCHN019 | Analogue | Budget option, China |
⚠️ Attention: Never buy wheel bearings without packaging or with damaged protective labels. A fake may look identical to the original, but use low quality steel, which will lead to rapid destruction of the assembly.
Symptoms and diagnostics
Understand that rear wheel bearing requires replacement, based on a number of characteristic symptoms. The very first sign is a hum or howl, which intensifies as the vehicle speed increases. The sound can be monotonous and vary depending on whether the car is loaded or running empty.
It is important to distinguish bearing noise from tire hum. To do this, try changing lanes on a flat section of the road: if the sound changes when you turn the steering wheel left or right, the problem is most likely in the bearing, since the load on the wheels is redistributed. If the sound remains the same, it may be the tires.
In the later stages of wear, wheel play appears. Raise the rear of the car with a jack and rock the wheel with your hands (in a vertical plane). If there is a noticeable knocking or movement, the unit must be replaced immediately. The ABS light on the dashboard may also come on due to a sensor failure.
Before starting diagnostics, be sure to clean the wheels from dirt and check the tightness of the hub mounting bolts, since a loose bolt can make similar sounds when driving.
Instructions for self-replacement
Replacing the rear wheel bearing with Nissan Almera The G15 doesn't require fancy equipment, but will require a sturdy jack, a set of tools, and preferably a circlip puller. The process takes from 1 to 2 hours per wheel if you have experience.
The first step is to remove the wheel and unscrew the brake drum. If the drum cannot be removed by hand, use a puller or gently tap the inside edge of the drum with a hammer through a piece of wood. After removing the drum, unscrew the caliper mounting bolts and hang it on a wire so as not to damage the brake hose.
Next, unscrew the bolts securing the hub itself to the steering knuckle. This may require the use of a penetrating lubricant as the bolts tend to stick. Pull out the hub and bearing assembly. Please note that the spline shaft may be heavily oxidized and must be pre-treated.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
⚠️ Attention: When removing the hub, be careful with the ABS sensor. The sensor wire is fragile and sudden movement can break it, resulting in the need to replace the entire set of wires or sensor.
Installation of a new unit is carried out in the reverse order. Before pressing the new hub into the knuckle, make sure the seat is clean and free of burrs. Tighten the hub bolts to the recommended torque, usually about 100-120 Nm, to avoid distortion.
Proper tightening of the hub mounting bolts is critical: under-tightening will lead to play and destruction, and over-torquing can strip the threads on the steering knuckle.
Hidden nuances and common mistakes
Many owners make the mistake of trying to replace only the bearing itself by pressing it out of the hub. On Nissan Almera G15 this is impractical and technically difficult, since the hub often comes as a solid block with a brake drum. Purchasing a separate bearing may mean that you will not be able to press it in correctly without special equipment.
It is also worth remembering the ABS sensor. If, when removing the old unit, you damaged the wiring or the magnetic ring sensor itself, a new bearing will not save you from an error on the instrument panel. Always check wiring integrity before installing a new component.
What to do if the hub cannot be removed?
If the hub is stuck to the fist, do not try to knock it off with a hammer. Use a puller or heat the seat with a hair dryer, alternating with cooling. Sometimes lightly tapping the end of the hub through the spacer helps.
Sometimes there is a problem with the fit of the locking ring. If it is damaged or out of shape, the hub may begin to move during use. Make sure the new ring fits snugly in the groove and is not distorted.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does the rear wheel bearing last on Almera G15?
On average, the service life of a unit is 100-120 thousand kilometers, but when driving on bad roads or installing low-quality analogues, the service life can be reduced to 40-50 thousand kilometers.
Is it possible to drive with a faulty rear bearing?
Short term - yes, but it is dangerous. If the bearing is completely destroyed, the wheel may jam or the hub may come off, leading to loss of control and an accident. There is also a risk of damage to the brake system.
Do bearings need to be replaced in pairs?
It is advisable, especially if the car has a high mileage. If one wears out, there is a high probability that the second will soon fail. However, if the second bearing is completely intact and has no play, only one side can be replaced.
Does replacing a bearing affect wheel alignment?
No, the G15 rear suspension design is such that replacing the hub assembly does not affect wheel alignment. The camber at the rear is adjusted only when the levers are replaced or the beam is deformed.
What tool is needed for replacement?
You will need a jack, wheel wrench, socket set (including 17, 19, 21mm), hammer, WD-40, circlip puller, and preferably a torque wrench for proper tightening.